History

When it comes to tradition, no single day during the event-filled weekend carries the historical significance of Sunday. Preserving these long-standing customs creates a vital link between the festival’s humble beginnings in 1936 and the grand celebration it has become today.

More than 90 years ago, the tranquil port of Morgan City and Berwick welcomed the first boatload of jumbo shrimp, freshly harvested from the deepest waters ever explored by a small fishing vessel. The inaugural celebration took place fittingly on Labor Day, when members of the local Gulf Coast Seafood Producers & Trappers Association organized a labor demonstration in recognition of the holiday. This gathering, now recognized as the festival’s origin, featured a spirited procession of frog and alligator hunters, shrimpers, crab fishermen, dock workers, and oystermen parading through the streets. Though modest compared to the grand spectacle of today’s procession, it was the first official street parade of the festival.

In 1937, under the leadership of festival committee chairman Paul Acklen LeBlanc, the tradition of the Blessing of the Fleet was established on Berwick Bay. This solemn ceremony was introduced to invoke God’s grace and protection upon the fishermen and their vessels, a tradition that remains a cherished part of the festival’s legacy.

Shrimp and Petroleum Festival won Festival of the Year (Division III) in 2006, 2007, 2014 and 2015 and was once honored with the title of "Most Unusual Festival Name."1967 will always be remembered as a landmark year for the festival. This is the year that a marriage of shrimp and oil took place that would forever change the face of the festival. By this time, the petroleum industry had firmly implanted its roots into the area economy. The Festival was then known by its present-day name, the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival. Despite the annexation of oil into its title, the festival was proud to be allowed to retain its seniority as the oldest state chartered harvest festival in Louisiana.

Today, the festival proudly honors the hardworking men and women of both the seafood and petroleum industries—two vital sectors that serve as the economic backbone of our region. For over half a century, the festival has celebrated those who labor tirelessly through all conditions, from sunshine to storms—even hurricanes—to sustain our community’s prosperity. Beyond recognition, the festival also highlights the remarkable synergy between these two seemingly distinct industries, showcasing how they coexist and collaborate both culturally and environmentally in our area. Designed to be inclusive, the festival welcomes people from all socioeconomic backgrounds to participate and enjoy its many events.

A centerpiece of the festival, the present-day Blessing of the Fleet and water parade features a striking procession of participating shrimp boats, pleasure craft, and the powerful "muscle boats" of the oil industry. One of the most anticipated moments is the ceremonial toast between the King’s Vessel and the Queen’s Vessel—a breathtaking bow-to-bow "kiss" marking the traditional champagne toast. True to its distinctive character, the festival was once honored with the title "The Most Unusual Name"—a fitting recognition for a celebration as unique as the place and the people it represents.